Friday, November 13, 2009

Things You Shouldn't Do to Friends

The nastiest dunk I've seen in a while. Thoughts?

NFL Week 10 Wrap Up - Thursday Night Game

Chicago @ San Francisco - Wow!!! Are you for real? 5 INTS? I know that some of them weren't Cutler's fault, but you just can't throw 5 picks in a game. The Bears just looked terrible. Their offensive and defensive lines can't do their jobs, so you end up with Forte getting 40+ yards rushing but then 100+ receiving yards. The 49ers looked equally inept and they were just able to pull this one out. If you were lucky you could have watched Wade and LeBron battle each other in Miami. Inquisitive Mind 1 - 0 for the week.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

The Rhetorical Question


Is Allen Iverson a team player? Who would have thought that AI's 2000-2001 season would have been the pinnacle of his career? Yes, Iverson has to be one of the best under 6 foot players to ever play the game. He is pound for pound one of the toughest players to play the game, and he will go down in history as one of the best scorers in the game. The question becomes, is Iverson a team player?

Let's get this on the table quickly, I am an Iverson apologist. Loved him at Georgetown, loved him when he crossed up MJ (watch the video), loved him when he carried that Sixers team to the NBA Finals against Shaq and Kobe, but now that great career seems to be ending in Memphis of all places.

We all know that the epitome of a team was that Larry Brown coached Sixers team. That was the first time that a team had been built around Iverson that would highlight his abilities and provided that team with a chance to win every night. Think about it, who was on that team? Theo Ratliff until he got hurt and then the Sixers were able to get Dikembe Mutumbo. The rest of the team: George Lynch, Aaron McKie, Tyrone Hill, Eric Snow, Jumaine Jones, Kevin Ollie, and Todd MacCullough.

Since then, Iverson has been traded to Denver, Detroit, and finally signed by the Grizzlies (the only team to offer him a deal) this year. There have been knocks on AI about him holding the ball too much, gambling on defense, and just not willing to put in the time to practice.

Now we get to 2009 and we see Iverson not accepting a role coming off the bench. That 2000-2001 season is a distant memory and with the additional 8 years on AI's body, shouldn't he, for the team, come off the bench to help the team? Iverson has been quoted as saying he doesn't feel like he's a bench player, that he's a starter. At some point in our careers we have to know that we aren't the the player that we used to be, or the best player on the court, even MJ realized that.

Just a note to AI. We still love the AI from years ago, but you are in the waning years of your career. Come off the bench for the Grizzlies and you can get your 20+ points a night. But please don't be a distraction and cause yourself an early retirement. I think you still got game, you think you still got game. Prove it to us. Answer the question that many people already have of you, you know, the rhetorical one.


Can Iverson make it in Memphis? Have we seen the last of AI in the NBA? When do you know it's time to hang it all up? Can he be a team player?

Thursday Night Football - Week 10 Picks



Bears @ San Francisco - Who thinks that this will be a good game? I really think that Vernon Davis calling out the Bears will get them excited for about a series or two. Outside of that, the Bears defensive line is banged up and I don't think they can stop the 49ers. I'm not saying the 49ers are a juggernaut, but it's the Bears. Vernon Davis will probably have a big game because of that cover 2 that the Bears run. Winner - 49ers.

NFL Week 9 Wrap Up

I guess breakfast is a bad thing. Let's see the damage for the week.

Washington @ Atlanta - When the most exciting part of the game is when the opposing coach goes after his former player during a hit on the sidelines, you know you're watching the Redskins play. Coach Mike Smith was fined $15K, while DeAngelo Hall wasn't fined at all. Hey, Smith can say his team won the game and Hall can say that he didn't lose any money during or after the game. Small victories are still victories. Inquisitive Mind 1 - 0 for the week.

Arizona @ Chicago - Boy was I wrong about this one. I kind of went homer on this and got whupped, along with the Bears. This was sad. Tommie Harris thrown out of the game after the 4th play? Question: Why do you hit a dude in the face mask when he has a helmet on? The only thing that would have served Harris better was if he would have broken his hand. Stupid is as stupid does. Inquisitive Mind 1 - 1 for the week.

Baltimore @ Cincinnati - Surprised, is about all I can say. The Bengals must be for real, or they just know how to beat the Ravens. Benson got another 100 yards against that defense. Amazing. Inquisitive Mind 1 - 2 for the week.

Houston @ Indianapolis - A helluva game with the Texans thisclose to winning. The Colts march on setting up a showdown with the Patriots. Inquisitive Mind 2 - 2 for the week.

Miami @ New England - I was sweating, along with the Patriots, for a while during this game. The Dolphins showed up and almost pulled the shocker. I think Coach Sparano said it best in the post game, 'that team (the Patriots) know how to win games.' Inquisitive Mind 3 - 2 for the week.

Green Bay @ Tampa Bay - The Packers are going to want this one back at the end of the year, mark my words. They went down to Tampa and lost this game. Yes Tampa won, but this Packers team is better than this. Brett Favre wouldn't have let them lose that game. Inquisitive Mind 3 - 3 for the week.

Kansas City @ Jacksonville - The Chiefs made a run at this one too. Without Larry Johnson (now released) the Chiefs were able to ride Matt Cassel to make this one interesting. The Jaguars almost gave it away in the end. Inquisitive Mind - 4 - 3 for the week.

Carolina @ New Orleans - These Saints are for real. They have won in ever way they can. They got down early against the Panthers and then turned it around and won. Someone has to beat this team because if they get home field advantage, I don't know if anyone can beat them in that dome. Inquisitive Mind 5 - 3 for the week.

Detroit @ Seattle - The Seahawks had to win this game. I mean they were playing the Lions for heavens sake. Not much to say except they showed us they have a pulse. Inquisitive Mind 6 - 3 for the week.

Tennessee @ San Francisco - Hey, I guess the QB change is something that is positively effecting the Titans team. I'm all for getting rid of Jeff Fisher right now. He should have done this 5 weeks ago. The Titans scored 17 points in the 4th quarter to win this game. Yes, Vince Young was best when he handed the ball off, but that seems to work well for the Vikings and people are in love with Favre. Inquisitive Mind 7 - 3 for the week.

San Diego @ New York Giants - Wow! I think most of you know I'm not an Eli Manning fan, but I like the Giants on defense. Well, that defense is starting to suck right now. I can't blame Eli all the time. The defense let a decent Chargers offense drive the field for the game winning touchdown. Inquisitive Mind 7 - 4 for the week.

Dallas @ Philadelphia - The Eagles looked pedestrian in this game. I'm not sure why, they just couldn't get it done and neither could McNabb. Inquisitive Mind 7 - 5 for the week.

Pittsburgh @ Denver - This turned into a shootout and it showed that Kyle Orton isn't the QB you want leading your team if you're down 10 or more points. Has everyone figured out the Broncos already? Tom Jackson is somewhere crying in his milk. Inquisitive Mind 8 - 5 for the week.

I thought it would be worse, but it wasn't. I still want a perfect week, so I've got a lot of work to do. For the year, it puts us at 84 - 45. Still running behind the pros.

Byron Scott Out

The Hornets have fired Byron Scott and have hired Tim Floyd as an assistant coach. The Hornets GM will take over coaching duties as of today. Scott has had a pretty up and down stop with the Hornets. He was Coach of the Year a few years ago and his team took the San Antonio Spurs to 7 games before bowing out. Since then, the team hasn't responded. They traded Tyson Chandler for Emeka Okafor and they really don't have much else. Peja isn't what he used to be, David West is finally starting to wear down from being an undersized PF, Morris Peterson and James Pose both are on their last legs, and the bench is nothing to talk about.

Broken Laptop



It's been a few days, but my laptop died. Just got a new one and getting back into the swing of things. Lots going on. Take some time to catch up.

Sunday, November 08, 2009

NFL Week 9 Picks

Family wanted breakfast this morning, so we went out for a quick bite. I know it's late, but here they are.

Washington @ Atlanta - The Falcons right the ship after a loss to the Saints last week. This is almost like a practice week for the Falcons. Winner - Falcons.

Arizona @ Chicago - This is a tough game to pick. Chicago is playing at home but they can't seem to get to any body's QB. The Bears can't protect their QB and can't seem to run the ball. It's not cold in Chicago and if the Cardinals are up to the task after that stinker against the Panthers last week, this ought to be a shootout. Winner - Bears.

Baltimore @ Cincinnati - The Bengals beat the Ravens at home earlier this week. I doubt they can repeat the task again. The Ravens looked to be on the top of their game after beating Denver last week. Gotta go with my guys. Winner - Ravens.

Houston @ Indianapolis - Another good game. The Texans are starting rookies in their defensive backfield. Peyton Manning is probably slobbering right now. The Texans can score and their defense up front isn't that bad. Go with the home team. Winner - Colts.

Miami @ New England -I'll make this quick. I'd love to see the Dolphins win this game, but I can't see them pull this one off at New England. Winner - Patriots.

Green Bay @ Tampa Bay - Gotta win this game. After losing Favre Bowl last week for the 2nd time, the Packers need a win. A practice game for the Packers. Winner - Packers.

Kansas City @ Jacksonville - Well, the Jaguars looked good for moments last week when MJD had the ball. This week they get a decent Chiefs defense and they are at home. Winner - Jaguars.

Carolina @ New Orleans - I could, and I mean could see the Saints losing this game for no other reason than isht happens. I don't think they will, but I hold out hope. Winner - Saints.

Detroit @ Seattle - Calvin Johnson will play. It will be rainy. Wet field. Home team. Winner - Seahawks.

Tennessee @ San Francisco - Boy, two mediocre teams. Vince Young looked great handing the ball off last week. Let's see if he remembers the game plan this week. Winner - Titans.

San Diego @ New York Giants - This is Manning Bowl all over again. The Giants have said this is a must win. The Chargers better be saying the same thing. The Giants have lost 3 in a row. Will it be 4? Winner - Giants.

Dallas @ Philadelphia - No Westbrook. Eagles at home. Can Donovan find a way against the Cowboys? Not so sure. Winner - Eagles.

Pittsburgh @ Denver - Can the Broncos bounce back? Can Big Ben show up for the Steelers? That Steelers defense is starting to turn it around. Winner - Steelers.

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

NFL Week 8 Wrap Up

Yes, I know it's late, but my paper for my class comes first.

Houston @ Buffalo - After TO's 30+ yard scamper to the end zone and the way the Bills defense was playing, I got very nervous. All I have to say is that was a helluva halftime speech. The Texans came out and dominated, like they hadn't even played the first half poorly. Inquisitive Mind 1 - 0 for the week.

Cleveland @ Chicago - This was about what I expected. The Bears dominated this game and still had a lot of opportunities that they blew. They still can't seem to run the ball that well and Cutler took some licks from a mediocre Cleveland defense. Note to Lovie: Get an offensive line. Inquisitive Mind 2 - 0 for the week.

Seattle @ Dallas - How bad is this Seahawks team? They really only put up 10 points in this game (the last TD coming way after the game was out of reach). The Cowboys showed that they can beat bad teams, what can they do with good teams? I guess we'll find out next week. Inquisitive Mind 3 - 0 for the week.

St. Louis @ Detroit - This was a horrible game. H-O-R-R-I-B-L-E. All I have to say is congrats to Steven Jackson for a great game. Lots of hard running and determination. Inquisitive Mind 3 - 1 for the week.

Denver @ Baltimore - It's about time that Ravens defense woke up. They looked like the team we expected them to be all year long. Denver looked average and Joe Flacco didn't wow us with stats but he is quietly turning in a great 2nd year. Inquisitive Mind 4 - 1 for the week.

San Francisco @ Indianapolis - Talk about a close game. The 49ers came to Indy and played a helluva game. The 49ers found a way to keep the Colts out of the end zone. I still don't understand how Manning had 347 yards passing and the Colts only score 18 points. If there's such a thing as a moral victory, the 49ers should be happy. Inquisitive Mind 5 - 1 for the week.

Miami @ New York Jets - Maybe we don't get smarter the second time around. The Jets came in with the sting from the last loss against Miami and their coach calling the Dolphins offense a 'gimmick' and they lay another egg. The Dolphins jumped on the Jets from the beginning and never looked back. I would have paid money to hear the Jets locker room after this game. Inquisitive Mind 5 - 2 for the week.

New York Giants @ Philadelphia - All I really have to say about this game is as follows: 20 of 39 for 222 yards, 1 TD, and 2 INTs. That's Eli Manning's line and he probably owes the Giants his paycheck for this performance. Inquisitive Mind 6 - 2 for the week.

Jacksonville @ Tennessee - Sometimes decisions aren't that hard to make and normally hindsight is the best 20/20, but why did the it take this long for the Titans to play Vince Young? I'm not saying that Young was the reason they won, that honor goes to Chris Johnson, but the team played well for him and his 15 of 18 for 125 yards and 1 TD wasn't bad for a guy who hasn't played in a long time. Inquisitive Mind 7 - 2 for the week.

Oakland @ San Diego - All I have to say is how do you allow the Raiders to score 16 points?!?!?The Raiders. You can probably tell that my fantasy team defense wears the powder blue and gold. Arrrgggh. Inquisitive Mind 8 - 2 for the week.

Carolina @ Arizona - Imagine someone walking off the street and into your house, they eat your food, sex your woman, and then take a dump on the way out in your bathroom. Then imagine that this person isn't attractive at all (maybe that would make it better). This is what happened to the Cardinals. They let a wounded Panthers team come into Arizona and just own them. If the Cardinals didn't play in the NFC West, they wouldn't make the playoffs this year. Inquisitive Mind 8 - 3 for the week.

Minnesota @ Green Bay - You could probably hear me cheering during this game. Favre returned home and bludgeoned his former team. It doesn't get any better than 17 of 28 (kept Brett right at his pitch count, around 25 attempts) for 244 yards and 4 TDs. The only weakness on this team seems to be the defense's ability to close the door. Inquisitive Mind 9 -3 for the week.

Atlanta @ New Orleans - Great game and it lived up to the hype. If you are not already on the Saints' bandwagon, you will need to wait in line for tickets. I'm sold. They are going to be a tough out for somebody. The Saints seem to have too much on offense and a defense that can make some stops. That's a dangerous combination. Inquisitive Mind 10 - 3 for the week.

That's what I'm talking about, a good 10 - 3 week. That brings the grand total to 76-40. A few more of these weeks and I'm going to be leading the pack.

Sunday, November 01, 2009

NBA Roundup 10-31-09

Just a few tidbits about the NBA.

Stephon Marbury - Can you drug test a guy that isn't in the league anymore? Marbury was escorted from Madison Square Garden for sitting in the wrong seat. Instead of moving, he got all ignant and refused to move to his correct seat and security had him removed completely. At one point, Marbury pulled out a video camera to tape the incident. What was he thinking?

Cleveland Cavaliers - I'm not feeling very good about the Cavs with Shaq. The ball still seems to end up in LeBron's hands and we saw how that ended last year. The over under on Mike Brown's job is 2 months. They have GOT to get someone who can revamp that offense ASAP. Or you can refer to LeBron as a former Cav.

Gilbert Arenas - People, yes you Average Bro, you might need to get a little excited. Arenas looks like he's back and maybe a little bit better than we thought. He has played well in the Wizards games so far and they are 2-1 and their schedule looks favorable. It may be time to get back on their bandwagon.

Pau Gasol - That hamstring doesn't seem to be healing as fast as many thought and at least Gasol is one who is starting to get nervous. Let me just say this, the Lakers don't need Gasol right now. Pau, go sit down somewhere for a while and heal up so we can see this team in the Finals.

J.J. Redick - Talk about things you should keep to yourself. Redick and some friends are making some rap songs. (Let that sink in for a second). No they're not going to release an album, but the fact that this is even news will make it must hear music. All of us should be shaking in our boots.

Carmelo Anthony - Wow!!! I know it's very early, but hey this guy is ballin. Now the question is can he get his team a high seed in the Western Conference playoffs so they can avoid the Lakers?